Government Orders Compulsory Use of Mother Tongue in All Ghanaian Schools  

Oct 25, 2025 - 12:46
Government Orders Compulsory Use of Mother Tongue in All Ghanaian Schools   
File Photo - Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu

Accra, Ghana – The Ministry of Education has announced a revolutionary policy aimed at transforming the country's education system. Effective immediately, the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction in schools has been made mandatory.

This bold initiative, championed by the Education Minister, seeks to promote linguistic diversity, enhance cognitive development, and foster a deeper appreciation for Ghana's rich cultural heritage.

Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons Living with Disabilities, Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that the initiative seeks to encourage the use of local languages as a medium of instruction.

“I am directing the DG of the GES and the GES that from today, teacher use of mother tongue instruction is now compulsory in all Ghanaian schools.

“The GES is to ensure strict enforcement of this…This is part of President Mahama’s reset agenda,” he said.

The benefits of mother tongue instruction are well-documented. Research has shown that children who learn in their native language tend to perform better academically, exhibit improved critical thinking skills, and demonstrate a stronger sense of cultural identity. 

To ensure a seamless implementation of this policy, the Ministry of Education is expected to provide extensive training and support for teachers, as well as develop and distribute mother tongue instructional materials. The government is also expected to established a task force to monitor progress, address challenges, and make recommendations for further improvement.

The initiative has garnered widespread support from educators, parents, and stakeholders across the country.

As the Education Minister emphasized, "This policy is a testament to our commitment to providing quality education that is responsive to the needs of our children. We believe that by promoting mother tongue instruction, we can unlock the full potential of our students and create a brighter future for Ghana."

Source – Citinewsroom